Keller Williams Realty: Real Life ... Real People

Let’s see who wins and who may lose.
We have all heard a lot about the new tax plan. Depending on your individual financial situation, you may have a positive or negative take on the tax bill. But how does it impact real estate? That also depends on a few things, like where you are buying a ...

Before we fret about the impact on the changes to the tax code, limited real estate tax deductions, upcoming changes to home value assessments and/or interest rates rising, let’s talk about our wonderful area and all we have to be grateful for. As we enjoy this holiday season, look toward the New ...

You’re selling your home, or you’re starting to think about it, but your house hasn’t been updated or painted in years. You want it to look its best before presenting it to prospective buyers, but you don’t know where to begin.
Home Staging Tips
Sprucing up your home can be as simple as adding ...

Nationally, the average time it takes to sell a house has dropped from 11 weeks five years ago to three weeks today according to CNN Money report (11/27/2017). "The inventory shortage and the growing economy and job creation has increased the interest in home buying," said Lawrence Yun, chief ...

’Tis the season to cajole your family to wear matching outfits, bribe the kiddos with candy canes and chocolates, and somehow balance reindeer antler onto your pet’s head. What to do for your holiday photos this year? Why not take advantage of all of the great outdoor backdrops in our quaint towns ...

The winter is usually the main focus is on family and the holidays, not on buying a home
Perhaps your winter selling strategy needs an adjustment. Strategize for the season. Take advantage of seasonal opportunities, current market trends, home care and staging tips and sell your home this ...

If you are considering selling your home in the spring and want to make it stand out on the market, it is time to start getting it ready for sale now. Preparing your home for sale takes time and thoughtful planning, and cannot be done in a short period of time. You should take a step back and ...

The 5 Absolute Do Nots while applying for a mortgage are:
DON’T go out and get a new car, furniture or ANY other large purchase. If you obtain any new debt while your loan is in process, you will be asked to document any new payments. This new payment could put you over the edge and you may ...

Are you in the market to buy a home now or in the next year? Whether you are a first time home buyer, looking for a larger home, considering downsizing, or anything in between, here are a few steps to a successful home purchase.
Determine what you can truly afford.
If you’re getting a ...

Looking to create one-of-a-kind home decor? Want a fun night out with friends? Or seeking enriching experiences for your children? Do you want to learn how knit or make jewelry? Here are local businesses that offer tons of ways to dive right into arts and crafts. Whether it’s a one-time activity, ...

There will always be those who try to "time the market," but there's one factor you can't know — when buying a home will become more expensive.
Certainly you can tell from recent trends whether or not prices and mortgage interest rates are in your favor. Monthly prices have risen year-over-year ...

Realtors always advise home sellers to eliminate clutter when selling their homes because it makes a remarkable difference. A clutter-free home can look like a new one altogether, and you shouldn’t wait until you sell your home to make it look better. Furthermore, clutter can have adverse effects ...

Once you’ve purchased a new home, it’s time to take charge of your move. Start by following this moving checklist. It will help you stay on track and be organized come moving day!
Create a moving file — place all papers related to your move in this file. Know where it is at all times.
Take a ...

Northern New Jersey is filled with many thriving towns — so why choose Westfield, Scotch Plains or Fanwood? Strong school systems, lively downtowns, and easy commutes to New York City are only drops in the bucket of what make these towns the charming and special places that they are.
Westfield’s ...

Are you thinking about remodeling an outdated kitchen or bath? There are so many wonderful choices these days when it comes to countertop materials ... it can be hard to decide which to use. Here are a few that are favored by today’s buyers and therefore, would increase the value of your ...

Whether you are a buyer or seller, fixating on price in real estate may cost you more than you think.
Sellers who decide that a specific purchase price will buy their home and won't budge from that bottom line may sell themselves short.
Buyers who drop out of a transaction for a home they ...

At less than 30 miles to NYC, Fanwood offers a wonderful small town feel. Fanwood is 1.3 square miles in size with a population of approximately 7,300 residents. Appealing to young families, commuters, as well as baby boomers looking to downsize, it is the perfect location to call ...

Potential homebuyers benefit in several ways by consulting with a lender first and obtaining a pre-approval letter. This gives buyers an opportunity to discuss different loan options and budgeting for the upcoming home purchase. Lenders will also check their credit report and alert the buyers to ...

From condos to mansions, no one’s immune to short sales, not even doctors, lawyers, teachers, executives, Realtors, your neighbor(s), the list goes on and on.
After the crash of the real estate market, I listed a house which sold as a short sale in 2012. I had no idea what was involved, but I ...

Are you staying near home for the holiday week? We asked our Keller Williams local experts to name their favorite spots to visit in our towns in the summertime. Here are some of our top picks:
“Not only in the summertime, but all year round, my favorite place to go in downtown Westfield is Ono ...

Ah yes, it’s summertime and the living is easy, unless, of course, you’re moving! Moving can be stressful during any season but add heat and humidity to the mix and tasks can become more formidable — even cool cucumbers can feel fried.
Here are tips to help you keep your cool if you’re moving ...

Technology has made it easy to view homes online. And it can be fun to say, “Honey, stop the car!” whenever you see balloons in front of a great house on Sunday afternoons. When you are seriously looking to purchase a home, however, you will be doing yourself a huge favor by working with a buyer’s ...

June is here and it’s time to get outdoors plant your annuals Barbeque on that new grill or host a patio party. But if your outdoor area isn't pleasing to look at, now is the time to get it in shape. Here are a few trends you'll want to focus on to give you the best value and punch to your outdoor ...

You’ve been searching online for the right home, cruising through neighborhoods looking for the “that’s it!” house. You’ve got to have one thing in hand before the fun begins: your preapproval letter.
Prequalified or preapproved?
Mortgage terminology can be confusing at times. One important ...

As we enjoy our long weekend and time spent with family and friends, it is important during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to remember those that gave their lives fighting for our country and all the veterans that served our country, as well as the active servicemen and women. These individuals ...

Don’t be the seller who has to delay the closing or reduce their home’s price because of permits that were not obtained or closed.
Unfortunately, every real estate agent has a story about a sale that was affected by improperly permitted work. When a home’s improvements do not match what’s ...

This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to new shrubs or planted flower beds — after all, a well-kept yard and garden make for an inviting home. Or, add cheer to brighten a room with a spring floral arrangement, or give her a CSA subscription to receive Jersey Fresh produce throughout the summer. (As a ...

The real estate market is heating up! Homes are selling quickly in the entry-level price points and things are moving in the luxury market as well. According to NJ real estate valuation expert Jeff Otteau, "For the first time in a decade, we're seeing an increase in demand for houses in the $1M to ...

Is your home an ideal first-time-buyer starter homes that may attract the millennial buyer? If so, here’s some insight from the millennial point of view. The Millennial is getting older and now is ready to invest their dollars and time into their first home.
Though there are 83 million ...

Kids and Pets, how can I possibly list my home?
Selling a home while your living in it is never easy. Selling a home with children and pets is definitely harder. Here’s some tips to make it easier:
First recognize change may be difficult. To assist with the transition let the kids ...